| 摘要 |
<p>The invention is a method for channeling message traffic along an optimal pa th to its intended destination. The method is accomplished by drafting a messag e and a corresponding destination address together in electronic form. The message a nd address are coupled with a set of parameters which define a method of conversion of the electronic form of the message and address to a tangible form. The message and address are transmitted together with the conversion parameters, as a packet, to a routi ng facility via a digital carrier. The routing facility will select an optimal transmission path whereby the packet will be transmitted to the terminal node for conversion and printing. The selection of an optimal path is made by analyzing a set of weighted factors pertaining to a set of possible pathways. The combination of weighted scores will be used to determ ine which path has the highest weighted score. The path with the highest weighted scor e will be selected, and the transmission will be initiated by the routing facility alo ng that path. The terminal node comprises receiving means for receiving the packet and printin g means for converting the electronic message and address to human readable form by prin ting the message on a medium and printing the destination address on an envelope, fro m these a finished mailpiece is formed and placed into a local mail stream for deliver y to the destination address.</p> |
